The Waterfalls of the Finger Lakes Region: A Sight to See

You might not think of waterfalls when you think of the Finger Lakes, but we have world renowned waterfalls that dot the landscape throughout the region. Anyone that spends even a short amount of time in the fabulous Finger Lakes region of upstate New York will appreciate how truly beautiful it is. The cities and towns in the area such as or Ithaca have done a great job of co-existing while maintaining much of the original pristine environment. In this day and age of modern development, it is rare that you’ll find a large swath of land that allows you to easily escape to a world of peace and tranquility. Yet, this is exactly what you’ll experience when visiting this part of Central New York.

There is nothing in nature as magnificent as the sight of a waterfall. There is something special about waterfalls that make you stop and gaze upon their simple beauty. Here in the Finger Lakes there are special waterfalls to put on your must see list of things to do. Each waterfall has a unique, timeless beauty that you can really appreciate once you gaze upon them. The waters have been drizzling over these rocks for thousands of years. While once isolated, they now share the area with nearby residents.

The locals that grow up here have a certain reverence for these natural waterworks that is passed down through generations. Visitors staying at local Finger Lakes lodging always find themselves taking lots of scenic pictures at one or more falls. The cool thing is that each waterfall has its own unique characteristics. Some are in parks, while others are smack dab in the middle of a residential area. You can swim near some, while others are just for viewing. It is also interesting to observe various rock formations and scenery that surround the falls.

If you have the time, it’s a great idea to go on your own Finger Lakes waterfall tour. Spring and summer are the best times to fully take in their magnificent splendor. Visitors always like to know what are the best waterfalls to see. Therefore, we’ll suggest two of our favorite sites:

Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca, NY

The city of Ithaca has a slogan “Ithaca Is Gorges” and you’ll see why that is true when visiting this popular state park. As soon as you enter the park you’ll be able to enjoy gazing at the main waterfall attraction. The falls get their name and water source from nearby Buttermilk Creek. Visit www.nyfalls.com for more information.

This is a great place for people to go alone or with a group. The park has two levels that are open for picnicking. The lower level is open for swimming, which means you can get really close to the actual falls. It is highly recommended to take one of the hiking trails. The park can be entered from the upper or lower levels. While hiking along the trail you will be rewarded with several smaller waterfalls and surrounding trees and wildlife. While in you’re in Ithaca visit some of the local shops like Wink’s hobby shop.

Taughannock Falls, Ulysses, NY

Taughannock Falls is located within Taughannock State Park. This is truly a spectacular waterfall that must be seen in person, because pictures don’t quite do it justice. The park itself is a great place to have a picnic or to go swimming. However, the real attraction is the nature trails that wind throughout the park.

Here is where you will step into another world where time stands still. Walk among ancient rocky walls admiring smaller waterfalls that lead to the main falls. Taughannock Falls has a stunning 215 feet drop, which is the highest east of the Rocky Mountains. While you cannot swim near it, simply gazing at it is truly a memorable experience.